LPN VS RN

this is a question that I know many people have asked. Is it worth becoming a LPN first or should I pursue my RN instead. My plan is to attend a local tn tech program the nights and weekend so that I can maintain a job. After I graduate I would like to bridge over to a LPN to RN program. Though I haven't heard a lot schools that offer the programs here.

That's just a personal decision based on your current situation. If you feel that you have to do a nights/weekend program while working, and there is not a nights/weekend RN program, do the LPN program.

I feel that getting your LPN first definitely makes RN school much easier, and it's easier to get into an LPN to RN program than it is to get into an RN program off of the street.

However, if I had to do it all over again, I would have tried to skip LPN and go straight for the RN. I had to go to LPN school 40 hours a week for a year with only 3 weeks' total for breaks. Compare that to 12-16 hours a week for two years for an ADN, and it just makes a lot more sense to do an ADN or even a BSN at those hours if you can swing it with your work schedule and you're not in a "gotta get it now" mode regarding a nursing license.

I do like the fact that I've kind of worked my way up through the ranks, as it were. But, I really could have used an extra couple of years of RN pay instead of LPN pay.

Mar 22, '11

Thanks....Im just at the point in my life where I am not a spring chicken anymore. Married with 2 kids I have looked into both options here and I leaning towards seeking the LPN licensure first then trying to find a fast track program and get my RN. The RN programs here just starting from point A are so hard to get in. I have tested for a nights and weekend LPN program and I passed the test just waiting to see if I am accepted or not. Thanks

Mar 25, '11

I'am a new LPN, however I am extremely satisfied with the decision I made to get my LPN first. I have gotten plenty of job offers and am currently working PRN for a LTC facility and full time at a rehab facility. I do plan on getting my RN, but for now, I like the satisfaction of knowing that I have a steady job in nursing and that I could potentially work at the facilities I am at now once I do get my RN.

Apr 1, '11

If you can swing it get RN..you will need it.. actually hospitals are starting to look towards more BSN now.....it is personal decision if you can swing it or not.

Apr 3, '11

If you want hospital work, go for the RN. Not sure what part of the state you are in, but in Memphis, most of the hospitals are no longer hiring LPNs anymore. St. Francis even laid off all of their currently working LPNs.

May 8, '11

I'm in Nashville, and the hospitals here do not hire LPNs. Or at least a I haven't had any luck that route. I just graduated from an LPN program and received my lic. in Feb, Yay! I went to TN Technology center at Nashville and it is a tough program, mainly because there is so much information thrown at you in a very short period of time. The instructors are great and I really learned a lot and was very prepared for the NCLEX exam. I chose the LPN route first because it is just not possible for me to not work at all and go to school. I am working in a LTC facility with a starting Pay of $17.50 and am getting my things together to hopefully start a LPN-RN bridge program soon. Like other posters said, it is a personal decision. I wish I could have gone straight to RN, unfortunately I screwed around in college with my first degree and my grades were not as competitive as they needed to be.. so this route works for me and gets me closer to doing what I actually want. Good luck with your decision and you can do it!!

May 16, '11

I just finished my first year in Motlow's program. I too, didn't to so good my first time. Motlow has a fresh start program that will keep your old grades from hurting your gpa for admission to the program.

this is a question that I know many people have asked. Is it worth becoming a LPN first or should I pursue my RN instead. My plan is to attend a local tn tech program the nights and weekend so that I can maintain a job. After I graduate I would like to bridge over to a LPN to RN program. Though I haven't heard a lot schools that offer the programs here.